Fort Morgan Breaking News, Sports, Weather, Traffic

Blizzard conditions predicted for Wed.

5-8 inches of snow; 55+mph wind gusts forecast

By Kara Morgan

The Fort Morgan Times

Posted:
03/11/2019 08:59:23 PM MDT

Click photo to enlarge

A truck drives slowly down Ensign Street in Fort Morgan during the blizzard that hit the city March 23, 2016. That blizzard caused numerous traffic accidents throughout Morgan County. Another such storm with blizzard conditions could hit Fort Morgan on Wednesday.

The Fort Morgan area can expect five to eight inches of snow and wind gusts up to 55 miles per hour or more on Wednesday, according to Natalie Sullivan, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Boulder.

After predicted high temperatures of almost 60 degrees on Tuesday, Fort Morgan is expected to experience blizzard conditions with snow and wind starting late morning or midday on Wednesday.

"For the Fort Morgan area, we are currently anticipating six to eight inches of snow," Sullivan explained. "We see the snow starting to move in between noon and 6 p.m. Wednesday with snow accumulation of probably about five inches. Later in the day, we could see another one to two inches."

A truck drives slowly down Ensign Street in Fort Morgan during the blizzard that hit the city March 23, 2016. That blizzard caused numerous traffic accidents throughout Morgan County. Another such storm with blizzard conditions could hit Fort Morgan on Wednesday. (The Fort Morgan Times file photo)

Sullivan said they expect the storm to leave the area late on Wednesday or early Thursday morning.

From Wednesday morning into Thursday, Sullivan said they expect winds to begin at about 20 miles per hour and to increase up to about 55 miles per hour in the area.

In the more southern parts of the eastern plains, Sullivan said they expect even stronger wind gusts.

The predicted snowfall combined with expected gusts of 55+ miles per hour contribute to the weather services' warning for blizzard conditions and low visibility for drivers.

"It'll be windy Wednesday and Thursday. With those wind gusts being so high, we are expecting blizzard conditions, since there will be snowfall and 55+ mile per hour winds," Sullivan explained.

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Sullivan said the NWS has issued a winter storm watch in the greater Morgan County area.

"We have a winter storm watch in effect from Wednesday afternoon through late Wednesday night, specifically blizzard conditions possible with total snow accumulations of five to ten inches possible."

Sullivan described the temperature predictions throughout the week, from highs of almost 60 degrees on Tuesday, to highs in the 40s on Wednesday and a high of about 30 degrees on Thursday,

"It's going to be back to winter," Sullivan explained.

After chillier weather on Wednesday and Thursday, Sullivan said they expect temperatures to rise slightly again going into Friday and the weekend.

"Slowly but surely, we'll get warmer," Sullivan added.

Plan ahead

Sullivan said the predicted weather conditions and their timing could have an impact on driver's visibility throughout Wednesday.

"Either think about changing your travel plans or keep an eye on your local weather outlooks to see what's happening, so you're not leaving during the worst of the weather," Sullivan recommended.

"Travel could be very difficult with widespread blowing snow, which could cause significantly reduced visibility," she added. "Hazardous conditions can be expected to impact the evening commute."

For those who end up on the road during a storm, Sullivan recommended the following:

"Leave space between you and the car in front of you. Also, leave room for the plows in the roads, so they can help make conditions safer for you and other travelers."

The Colorado State Patrol posted their winter weather driving recommendations on their social media platforms on Monday, ahead of the predicted storm.

The CSP 'Winter Driving Tips' made the same recommendation to give vehicles more space ahead of them on the road.

The state patrol also recommends drivers should ensure adequate tire tread and proper tires for conditions; that drivers fuel up before heading out in case of delays and be patient, among others.

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